Tributes for tragic Luke

Family and friends have been mourning the death of 24-year-old Luke O’Sullivan who died on Friday following a crash early on Easter Saturday.

Luke, of Carter Street in Fordham, was critically injured when the silver Peugeot 206 he was driving hit a lamppost in Cemetery Hill at around 4,35am.

He was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital but never recovered consciousness and died on Friday.

His mother, Julie Taylor, who was at his bedside said his family, his stepfather Brian, half sister Ellie,18, and half brother, Charlie, three, had been devastated by Luke’s death.

“He was a very special young man who had had a wonderful life so far but still had so much to live for. I don’t know what we will do without him,” she said.

“He had so many friends and we have been overwhelmed by all the messages of support we have received and the staff at the hospital were wonderful. I would like to thank them all.”

A former pupil at St Louis Primary School, St Felix Middle and Newmarket Upper School, Luke had gone to Canada on leaving school to spend time with his father, Paul O’Sullivan, who used to work in Newmarket for Sir Henry Cecil. There he had worked on his father’s wife’s stud farm as well as pursuing a successful modelling career working with the top Elite agency in Toronto. Last year he was on the catwalk during New York Fashion Week. “He was never big headed about his modelling, he just loved clothes and looking good,” said Julie.

Staff at the modelling agency were shocked by news of his death and said: “Luke was a lovely young man, sweet and professional and dedicated in everything he did. We will miss him very much.”

He had recently returned home while applying for a Canadian residency permit which was granted just two weeks ago but he looked set to stay at Rossdales Equine Hospital and Diagnostic Centre in Exning where he had recently started working and had already become a valued member of staff

His devastated colleagues in the diagnostic unit paid this tribute: “Since joining the hospital in Exning Luke soon became a valued member of the veterinary technician team at the diagnostic centre. He was also very interested and involved with the foaling unit volunteering many of his evenings to sit up with the sick foals.

“His easy manner, enthusiasm and cheeky smile meant he was a popular member of the team and the impact of his death has affected us all deeply. He will be sadly missed by everyone that worked with him.”

Hundreds of tributes have been paid to Luke on a Facebook site and floral tributes have been laid at the site of the accident, which closed the road for nearly six hours.

Funeral details have yet to be finalised but all enquiries should be directed to funeral directors Southgate on 01638 662480.

The coroner has been informed and police are continuing to investigate the crash and are asking anyone who saw Luke’s car prior to, or at the time of the crash, to call PC Dean Webb at the Serious Collision Investigation Team on 101.

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